The 10 Rules of 'Ikigai': Unlocking the Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

Discovering the Secrets of Ikigai: The Japanese Path to Longevity and Happiness

What is the Meaning of Ikigai

Ikigai, which loosely translates to "the happiness of always being busy," is a concept that revolves around finding one's true purpose in life. According to the book "Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life" by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, discovering your ikigai can make life more meaningful.

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that has been around for centuries and is often used to describe the intersection of four key elements:

• What you love: This is something that you enjoy doing and that makes you happy.
• What you are good at: This is something that you are naturally talented at and that you can do well.
• What the world needs: This is something that is beneficial to others and that makes a positive impact on the world.
• What you can be paid for: This is something that you can do that others are willing to pay you for.

When these four elements intersect, it creates a sense of purpose and fulfillment that is known as ikigai. Ikigai is often seen as a key to happiness and well-being.

In business, ikigai can be applied to a number of different aspects of the business. For example, ikigai can be used to:

• Define the company's mission and vision: The company's mission and vision should be aligned with the four elements of ikigai. This will help to ensure that the company is working towards something that is meaningful and that will make a positive impact on the world.
• Hire employees: When hiring employees, it is important to look for people who have a strong ikigai. These are the people who will be passionate about their work and who will be more likely to be successful in their roles.
• Create products and services: Products and services should be created that are aligned with the company's ikigai. This will help to ensure that the products and services are meaningful and that they will be successful in the market.
• Build a culture: The company culture should be aligned with the company's ikigai. This will help to create a positive and productive work environment where employees can thrive.

By applying ikigai to business, companies can create a more meaningful and fulfilling workplace for their employees and a more successful business overall.

Here are some additional tips for applying ikigai to business:

• Start by understanding your own ikigai. What do you love, what are you good at, what does the world need, and what can you be paid for? Once you understand your own ikigai, you can start to look for ways to apply it to your business.
• Involve your employees in the process. Ask your employees what they love, what they are good at, and what they are passionate about. Use this information to create a business that is aligned with the ikigai of your employees.
• Make it a continuous process. Ikigai is not something that you find once and then it's done. It's an ongoing process of discovery and growth. As your business changes, so too will your ikigai. Be open to new opportunities and be willing to adapt your business as needed.

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The Influence of Ikigai in Okinawa

Okinawa, Japan, known as a blue zone with the highest concentration of centenarians in the world, emphasizes the importance of ikigai in the lives of its residents. Garcıa and Miralles interviewed some of the oldest people in Okinawa who shared that ikigai plays a central role in their longevity.

Okinawans have a strong focus on living in the present moment. They believe that it is important to enjoy the here and now and to not dwell on the past or worry about the future. This focus on the present moment can help to people to live more fulfilling lives and to find their ikigai.

Finally, Okinawans have a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. They also tend to be active and to get regular exercise. This healthy lifestyle can contribute to ikigai by helping people to feel good physically and mentally. Overall, the ikigai concept is an important part of Okinawan culture and it is believed to contribute to the island's high number of centenarians. If you are looking for ways to improve your own ikigai, you may want to consider incorporating some of the elements of Okinawan culture into your own life.

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The 10 Rules of Living with Ikigai

Garcıa and Miralles have outlined ten rules that can help individuals integrate ikigai into their lives and experience its benefits:

1. Stay Active; Don't Retire

Working well into old age or choosing not to retire, like 100-year-old Jayne Burns who still works at a craft store in Ohio, can contribute to a long and fulfilling life.

2. Take it Slow

Rushing through life can take away from its quality, so take the time to slow down and appreciate each moment, finding more meaning along the way.

3. Don't Fill Your Stomach

Centenarians suggest eating only 80% of what's on your plate, avoiding excess food that may provide short-term pleasure but hinder long-term happiness.

4. Surround Yourself with Good Friends

Building and nurturing positive relationships has been linked to happiness and longevity. In Okinawa, centenarians spend quality time together, participating in community activities and friendly sports games.

5. Get in Shape for Your Next Birthday

Engaging in regular exercise is a crucial component for living a long and healthy life. Even simple activities like the five-minute movements performed by Okinawans can contribute significantly to longevity.

6. Smile

Recognize the difficulties in life, but don't forget to appreciate the privileges and possibilities in the present moment.

7. Reconnect with Nature

Spending time in nature, even in urban environments, can have positive effects on productivity, mood, and memory.

8. Give Thanks

Cultivating gratitude is a powerful way to remind yourself of the blessings in your life. Express appreciation for your loved ones, friends, and yourself.

9. Live in the Moment

Avoid dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Embrace the present moment and make the most out of it.

10. Follow Your Ikigai

Discover your passion and let it guide you in life. Having a sense of purpose through ikigai can bring more happiness and fulfillment.

By incorporating these principles into your life, you can experience the benefits of ikigai and cultivate a sense of purpose, happiness, and longevity.

The Influence of Ikigai on New Businesses

The concept of ikigai, centered around finding one's true purpose and bringing meaning to life, has gained attention for its positive impact on longevity and happiness in places like Okinawa, Japan. While ikigai primarily focuses on personal well-being, its principles can also have profound effects on new businesses.

1. Aligning Business Purpose

Just as individuals seek their ikigai, businesses can benefit from clarifying their purpose and aligning it with their core values. By understanding the business's purpose beyond profitability, entrepreneurs can create a deeper sense of meaning and motivation, attracting both customers and employees who resonate with the brand's mission.

2. Employee Engagement and Retention

Encouraging employees to discover and pursue their own ikigai within the company can lead to higher engagement and retention rates. When individuals find a sense of purpose within their work, they are more likely to be motivated, productive, and committed to the company's success.

3. Building a Positive Company Culture

Following the ten rules of ikigai, businesses can create a positive company culture that promotes well-being and happiness. By fostering connections between team members, encouraging a healthy work-life balance, and providing opportunities for personal growth, businesses can create an environment that supports employee satisfaction and ultimately, business success.

4. Innovation and Growth

By prioritizing the principle of "Follow Your Ikigai," businesses can encourage innovation and growth. When employees are encouraged to pursue their passions and bring their unique strengths to the table, they are more likely to think creatively, contribute new ideas, and drive the business forward.

As entrepreneurs and business leaders, integrating the principles of ikigai can have a profound impact on the success and longevity of a new business. By aligning purpose, nurturing employee well-being, fostering a positive culture, and promoting innovation, businesses can promote long-term growth while creating a sense of fulfillment for everyone involved.

Article First Published at: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/09/10-rules-of-ikigai-from-authors-of-the-japanese-secret-for-longevity.html